Importance

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Abstract

A catheter assembly, with active fluid control valve, includes a catheter having a cylindrical side wall describing a lumen therethrough, a proximal end and a closed distal end. The catheter includes a slit through the side wall positioned adjacent to the distal end. This slit is angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter and is defined by two opposed faces formed in the side wall. The catheter housing includes a conduit therethrough wherein the proximal end of the catheter is connected to the housing so that the conduit and the lumen are in fluid communication. The stylet is positioned within the lumen having a first end connected to the closed distal end and a second end. A valve control knob having a passageway therethrough is rotatably connected to the housing so that the passageway and the conduit are in fluid communication. Engagement structure is provided in the knob for engaging the stylet so that rotation of the knob relative to the housing causes rotation of the stylet which in turn causes rotation of the closed distal end of the catheter causing the opposed faces of the slit to separate forming an opening for allowing fluid communication between the lumen and the exterior of the catheter.

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First Claim